| EV-E301 series | |
| Manufacturer: | J-TREC |
| Factory: | Yokohama |
| Family: | Accum |
| Replaced: | KiHa 40 series |
| Yearconstruction: | 2014 |
| Yearservice: | 15 March 2014 |
| Numberbuilt: | 8 vehicles (4 sets) |
| Numberservice: | 8 vehicles (4 sets) |
| Formation: | 2 cars per trainset |
| Fleetnumbers: | V1–V4 |
| Capacity: | 265 per set |
| Operator: | JR East |
| Depots: | Oyama |
| Lines: | Karasuyama Line, Tohoku Main Line |
| Carlength: | 20000frac=8NaNfrac=8 |
| Width: | 2800frac=8NaNfrac=8 |
| Floorheight: | 1130frac=8NaNfrac=8 |
| Doors: | 3 pairs per side |
| Acceleration: | [1] |
| Traction: | Mitsubishi IGBT-VVVF |
| Electricsystem: | 1,500 V DC overhead line |
| Collectionmethod: | Pantograph |
| Bogies: | DT79 (motored), TR255D (trailer) |
| Safety: | ATS-P |
The is a two-car battery electric multiple unit (BEMU) train type operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) on the Karasuyama Line and Tohoku Main Line since 15 March 2014.[2] The train goes by the nickname .[3]
Developed from the experimental "Smart Denchi-kun" battery railcar tested on the Karasuyama Line in 2012, the two-car EV-E301 series train operates as an electric multiple unit (EMU) under the 1,500 V DC overhead wire of the Tohoku Main Line between and, and on battery power over the 20.4km (12.7miles) non-electrified Karasuyama Line. It can also be recharged via its pantographs at a recharging facility specially built at Karasuyama Station.[3]
The two-car trainsets are equipped with 190 kWh lithium-ion storage batteries,[3] and the train has a maximum design speed of 100km/h, although it normally runs at up to 65km/h at service.[4]
The two-car trains are formed as shown below, with car 1 at the Utsunomiya end.[3]
| Car No. | 1 | 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Designation | Mc' | Mc | |
| Type | EV-E300 | EV-E301 | |
| Weight (t) | 37.7 | 40.2 | |
| Passenger capacity (seated/total) | 48/133 | 48/133 |
The Mc car has two PS38 single-arm pantographs.[3]
Internally, the train uses LED lighting throughout.[3] Seating accommodation consists of longitudinal bench seating.[3] The train is not equipped with a toilet.[4]
Each car is mounted on a TR255D non-powered trailer bogie at the outer end, and a DT79 motored bogie at the inner end.[3]
The first set, V1, was delivered from the Japan Transport Engineering Company (J-TREC) factory in Yokohama on 21 January 2014.[5] Test running commenced on 23 January, on the Utsunomiya Line, including running on battery power with the pantographs lowered.[6] It entered revenue service on the Karasuyama Line from the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2014.[2]
In May 2015, the EV-E301 series was awarded the 2015 Laurel Prize, presented annually by the Japan Railfan Club.[7] A presentation ceremony was held at Karasuyama Station on 26 September 2015.[8]
A further three two-car EV-E301 series trainsets were delivered to Utsunomiya from the J-TREC factory in Yokohama in February 2017.[9] These entered service from the start of the revised timetable on 4 March 2017, replacing the remaining diesel multiple-unit trains operating on the Karasuyama Line.[10]